News
22. December 2015
The digit!, a German professional's magazine for digital images, introduces the new SilverFast version
(please click to enlarge)
With its current December/ January edition, the digit! devotes an article to the newly released SilverFast software version 8.8. This article focusses particularly on the new dust and scratch removal SRDx. Attention is also paid to the new History feature and the ColorServer Edition, which greatly simplifies the processing of very large amounts of images, for example, in production environments.
digit! « The most innovative change should be the SRDx tool […] he automatic setting is able to detect image defects quickly and reliably. In addition, the premium versions Ai Studio 8.8 and HDR Studio 8.8 contain supplementary tools, which greatly simplify the editing. »
« The new ColorServer is recommended for all users who need to convert a large number of images. It provides automatic processing according to the user's specifications. The adjustment possibilities are almost endless … »
The complete article can be found in the latest digit! magazine issue or here as a PDF file.
21. December 2015
WTSH – Business Development and Technology Transfer for Schleswig-Holstein, Germany's northernmost State
There are numerous world leaders and "hidden champions" among the small and medium-sized enterprises in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany's northernmost state – they are particularly flexible and agile in mind, innovative and in close cooperation with universities and research institutions.
The WTSH includes LaserSoft Imaging to these innovative and successful companies in Schleswig-Holstein and to the premium partners of the "Schleswig-Holstein. Germany‘s True North." partner program. We are delighted to be seen as a figurehead for our state.
More information can be found on the WTSH websites: Schleswig-Holstein: the true diversity.
4. December 2015
SilverFast 8.8 contains our new features SRDx for an effective dust and scratch removal even for black-and-white images as well as the History functionality (for Ai Studio, HDR Studio and the Archive Suite), which makes it possible to perfectly retrace individual editing steps.
In addition, we have a new ColorServer Option for SilverFast 8.8 (for HDR Studio and the Archive Suite), which represents an ideal tool for production environments and for automatic processing of large image volumes. Further architecture optimization speed up the working with the current SilverFast version. During the introduction period we offer a discount of 25% on all IT8 Targets and SilverFast Versions (except SilverFast SE).
Buy now or learn more about our new SilverFast 8.8
29. October 2015
Scanning and Archiving Your Old Film and Photos – Simply Explained, Demystified & Demonstrated
Boris Bischof and Darren Vena from LaserSoft Imaging, will demonstrate the principles of scanning and image reproduction using todays scanners from leading manufacturers such as Epson, Canon and others. Learn how to create beautiful images using SilverFast in a professional setting at a comfortable pace. Now is the time to save those images before they are lost to fading and other degrading elements forever.
Location: Computer Advantage, 7810 N Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34243
Here you find more information & registration form. (sold out)
23. October 2015
Effortlessly create brilliant Grayscale Images. Our SC2G Movie tells you how.
Using the tool SC2G (Selective Color to Gray), which is included in every SilverFast 8 scanner and HDR software, you can directly control the conversion of primary and secondary colors into shades of gray. A conventional color to black and white image conversion transfers different colors (e.g. red and blue) of similar brightness in very similar shades of gray. As a result, they can be hardly differentiated. With SC2G you have some slider controls to determine, to which gray tones your colors get converted. Thus, a lot more image details remain recognizable and your black and white images look clear and crisp.
Image Example: The sky appears too dark with the standard color to gray conversion. Using SC2G the sky can be selectively made brighter, without changing the brightness of other objects of the sample. After changing into Grayscale mode and activating the SC2G tool, click into the sky of the sample. Now we want to make the gray representing the sky brighter by using the marked slider control in the SC2G dialog.
More Information on the Feature Website.
12. October 2015
SilverFast 8.5 supports Mac OS X 10.11 El Capitan – SilverFast 8.5 scanner and HDR software runs natively on Intel Mac OS X systems from version 10.7 (including El Capitan 10.11). With the release of version 8.5, the SilverFast System Requirements have been changed, 32 bit operating system support has been discontinued.
Here you find a list of all supported scanners.
19. August 2015
Professional Photographer Vineet Suthan introduces PrinTao 8 for Epson and Canon Large Format Printers
Vineet Suthan is a portrait and fashion photographer based in Dubai & Oman. His work appears in numerous publications and has won several international awards. His commercial work includes food, beauty, fashion and product photography. Vineet is always working on new ways to share his passion and knowledge with others, and he hosts photography workshops on a regular basis all over the world.
For digital imaging, Vineet is a big fan of LaserSoft Imaging software products. Recently, he has published a nice PrinTao 8 product review on his blog. PrinTao 8 is a printing solution for Epson and Canon Large Format Printers.
Vineet Suthan: « The reason why I love this product is because you can handle the interface window without ever needing a manual. Now, my prints have different shades of color, improved dynamic contrast, better aliasing and much smoother gradients. […] I can say with sincerity that I highly recommend this product and I encourage you to download a Demo Version today and try it out. »
You can read the complete product review here at www.vineet-suthan.com.
11. August 2015
State Secretary Economic Affairs Dr. Nägele and the newspaper Kieler Nachrichten are visiting LaserSoft Imaging
Copyright: Kieler Nachrichten
KN: What has made it into the archive of a museum or a library, normally should be preserved for all times. However, humidity, light and dust often damage the archival material or even destroy it completely. The software manufacturer LaserSoft Imaging, located in Kiel, Germany, supports cultural institutions all over the world which are scanning their collections of analog image material.
For State Secretary Economic Affairs Frank Nägele the Kiel-based company has a role model character: « Karl-Heinz Zahorsky and his team show us how much potential there is in this country. […] This is the quality of the ,True North’. »
The article of the Kieler Nachrichten can be found here online (German).
5. August 2015
Maximum Color Precision and Printing Quality for your Inkjet Printer!
SilverFast can create an individual profile for every printer, ink and paper combination. The Printer Calibration always brings out the maximum quality of your originals. Avoiding the high costs of expensive hardware, SilverFast's new Printer Calibration utilizes an existing scanner as a measuring instrument.
For the release of the SilverFast SE Plus 8.5 printer solution, LaserSoft Imaging has tied up a very special introductory package. The full SilverFast SE Plus edition incl. Printer Calibration is available for only 149.00 Euro. Until end of October, each package* also contains a free Fuji Target (complying international IT8 standards, worth 59.90 Euro).
More Information on the Feature Website.
* When buying within the promotional period you will receive a high-quality 5x7" reflective Fuji IT8 target for free (RRP [unit] 59.90). You only pay shipping costs. This target can be used for calibrating the scanner's reflective mode.
29. July 2015
On July 29th, 2015 Microsoft released the new Windows 10 operating system.
Basically, all SilverFast products which support Windows 8, will run on Windows 10 (64 bit) systems.
The compatibility of the SilverFast scanner software is also dependent on the manufacturer's device drivers. If you already use SilverFast 8, and if the scanner manufacturer provides Windows 10 -compatible drivers for this device, then you can use your scanner with SilverFast 8 on Windows 10 (64bit) systems.
Further information as well as an up-to-date list of supported scanners you can find here ...
29. July 2015
Now available: Compact 17-Inch Wide Professional Printer with Optional Roll Paper Adapter
The SureColor SC-P800 is Epsons top model in the DIN A2 ProPhoto printers series. With its nine-color UltraChrome HD inkset and auto-switching Photo and Matte Black inks it delivers stunning print quality in an affordable easy-to-operate package. The UltraChrome HD inkset delivers black density never before seen from a pigment ink. The SC-P800 prints up to DIN A2 or 17” wide roll paper.
PrinTao 8 is ready for the new SureColor P800. PrinTao 8 – the Mac OS X printing solution that guarantees maximum print quality, while offering highly efficent handling and ease of use. PrinTao 8 takes over color management and all printer driver settings, allowing you to concentrate entirely on your images.
Right now at the time of product launch, for the SC-P800 only PrinTao 8 offers a variety of profiles for different paper manufacturers' media. The new version PrinTao 8.0r8 also includes many new Bonjet and Ilford media packages for Epson and Canon printers.
For more information on PrinTao 8, just click here.
8. July 2015
3. July 2015
New Youtube Video introducing the Post-Production Workflow including SilverFast
© Rescued Film Project
The Rescued Film Project is an online archive gallery of images that were captured on film between the 1930's and late 1990's. Each image in this archive was rescued from found film from locations all over the world, which have been sent in in the form of undeveloped rolls of film. The Rescued Film Crew has the capability to process film from all eras. Even film that has been degraded by heat, moisture, and age. Or is no longer manufactured.
Levi Bettwieser, founder of The Rescued Film Project, has just uploaded a video to youtube introducing his Post-Production workflow. He teaches how to handle negatives, helps picking a negative scanner, breaks down how to scan negatives, as well as how to best manage photo data and backup. For scanning and image optimization Levi is trusting in SilverFast.
More Information and a lot of rescued film can be found on the Rescued Film Project Website.
If you have found rolls of film, you may like to contribute them to The Rescued Film Project for free processing and archiving.
23. June 2015
Conclusion: SilverFast 8 is able to greatly enhance image quality, thanks to Multi-Exposure and the IT8 Calibration.
ScanDig is a major European online retailer in the area of photography, color management, digital imaging software with a special focus on film scanners and accessories. Since many years, ScanDig host the filmscanner.info website, which is well-known as one of the best information addresses for independent reviews on the web.
ScanDig has recently conducted comprehensive tests series with the Epson V800. They have examined and compared both accompanying programs SilverFast SE 8 and EpsonScan compared. Furthermore, they pointed out the advantages of a SilverFast upgrade to one of the versions SilverFast SE Plus, Ai Studio and Archive Suite.
While the simple office mode from EpsonScan is useful for scanning documents, SilverFast SE shows its true advantages when scanning film material, especially negatives.
filmscanner.info: « The Epson Perfection V800 Photo image quality is fine overall using the enclosed EpsonScan and SilverFast SE 8. However, it can considerably increased thanks to the Multi-Exposure feature coming with SilverFast SE Plus 8. For those wanting to get the maximum image quality out of the scanner, we recommend a professional scanning software like SilverFast Ai Studio 8 with IT8 Color Calibration. »
You can find the complete review article here on filmscanner.info (German).
19. June 2015
« Is this the answer for fast, painless printer calibration? » We think it is!
Founded in 1998, Imaging Resource seeks to lead photographers to positive experiences with their cameras. Since that time, they have grown to become one of the largest photo news and review sites on the web. You can find in-depth reviews backed by exhaustive lab tests, as well as extensive coverage of photo news.
Imaging Resource now introduced the new SilverFast 8.5 Printer Calibration.
Imaging Resource:« It’s not cheap, but you’d be hard-pressed to find a better scanning software than SilverFast; if you have a photo scanner, it’s a program you’re going to want to own anyway. (SilverFast SE is bundled with a lot of scanners, the upgrade prices are less than the full purchase price.) »
Read the complete article here on Imaging Resouce.
28. May 2015
Maximum Color Precision and Printing Quality for your Inkjet Printer!
You are using SilverFast 8 for some time, to digitize your photos, slides and film strips, for archiving your memories of the past? With the new SilverFast 8.5 Printer Calibration you are now enabled to print these memories in convincing image quality – easily at home with your inkjet printer. Your images should not be just stored on your hard drive, but inspire you and others, for example as posters at home, as a calendar in the office or as a gift for the next family celebration.
Having the new SilverFast Printer Calibration you will work just as color-accurate and brilliant like a professional. With SilverFast you can create an individual profile for each combination of printer, ink and paper. You can always rely to obtain best results, when your scanner and printer are ICC profiled. The SilverFast Printer Calibration utilizes your scanner as a measurement device, further expensive accessories are not required.
More Information on the Feature Website.
20. May 2015
Congratulation from LaserSoft Imaging
Red River Paper Inc., founded in 1997, has over 40 years experience in fine papers. From Dallas, Texas, Red River offers various sheet sizes and rolls, in total over 30 different inkjet papers. PrinTao 8 and Red River Paper is a perfect combination for high-quality large formats prints.
8. May 2015
Soon available: Compact 17-Inch Wide Professional Printer with Optional Roll Paper Adapter
Designed for professional use, the SureColor P800 is a full 17-inch wide borderless printer with unique Epson® MicroPiezo® AMCTM printhead technology. Leveraging an all-new Epson UltraChrome® HD eight-color pigment ink set, the SureColor P800 is capable of producing the next generation of color and black-and-white prints that will inspire us all.
PrinTao 8 is ready for the new SureColor P800. PrinTao 8 – the Mac OS X printing solution that guarantees maximum print quality, while offering highly efficent handling and ease of use. PrinTao 8 takes over color management and all printer driver settings, allowing you to concentrate entirely on your images.
For more information on PrinTao 8, just click here.
30. April 2015
Download the JobMonitor App from the App Store for free!
This App is an iOS monitor for keeping track of scanning and image processing jobs performed by main application SilverFast 8.5. The App serves as a status monitor for the SilverFast JobManager. The JobMonitor is included with SilverFast Ai Studio, HDR (Studio) and Archive Suite.
For scanning or processing large image files in SilverFast 8.5, the new JobMonitor App will comfortably display the progress of these scans or image optimization jobs on your iPhone, iPad or iPod using a Wi-Fi connection. You will find a preview image and a progress bar for every single image item enlisted on your current job queue. If a Wi-Fi connection is not available, a Push Notification will notify you once your scanner has finished its current job.
« Fantastic, having the JobMonitor App I no longer need to sit next to the scanner waiting for my high-resolution batch scanning to complete. I can devote myself to other tasks and I will automatically be notified when SilverFast has finished. I've been waiting a long time for exactly this feature. »
25. April 2015
SilverFast Representative International Affairs Ingmar Zahorsky visits the Epson Headquarters in Nagano, April 2015
LaserSoft Imaging representative International Affairs Mr. Zahorsky recently visited the Epson head office in Japan, meeting the leading Epson managers. After taking a tour through the facilities, Mr. Zahorsky handed over the Golden Book to highly value the many years of successful cooperation. The Golden Book reviews many projects Epson and LaserSoft Imaging have realized together.
20. April 2015
Nothing Says it Better Than a Photographic Print
Copyright: Dumican Mosey
Viewing photos on an LCD screen lacks the reality that a paper print, large or small, can replicate. Somehow, it falls short– like a monotonous merry-go-round ride after flying the loops of a roller coaster and experiencing that exciting rush.
Printing your images using PrinTao 8 can also give you a rush. You’ll feel a new-found sense of closeness with them when they’re hanging on the wall or clustered on tables or desks in standalone picture frames. And they’ll always be there for you to enjoy, any time of the day or night.
Enter to win a $200 gift certificate for premium quality inkjet papers and get two special coupons today. Click here
15. April 2015
The Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) has announced the winners of the annual awards for photo and imaging products for the past year.
Best Photo Scanner: Epson Perfection V850 Pro
The Photo Scanner category has not been included in the TIPA Awards selections for many years, but the introduction of the Epson Perfection V850 Pro inspired members to bring it back. The V850 Pro allows for scanning of all film sizes up to 4x5 inches using the supplied frames, and up to 8x10 inches without them. Our recommendation is to upgrade the included SilverFast 8 Software. (Click here)
Best Photo Printer: Epson SureColor SC P-600
This 8-color photo printer features sheet and roll feed, the ability to print on CDs and DVDs, and USB and Ethernet connections plus wireless options. Its Epson UltraChrome HD ink has been reformulated and it features a new Epson print engine and screening technology, as well as ink droplets as small as 2 picoliters to enhance print quality. We suggest using the P-600 with PrinTao 8 for just 99,- (Click here)
26. March 2015
New Feature Highlights with SilverFast 8.5 – With the release of new SilverFast software version 8.5.0r2, SilverFast will obtain new functionality that will make the lossless ("non-destructive") workflow even more efficient*. The update is free of charge for SilverFast 8 owners.
A Key Element is the file format HDRiRAW, a new raw data format. HDRiRAW provides an ideal starting point for a non-destructive workflow. In addition to the image data, color management information is included, where applicable also infrared data for dust and scratch removal and Negafix profiles for negatives. Feature Website
After scanning into the new HDRiRAW format, the JobManager is used for the efficient batch processing of image optimizations. For this purpose, a multitude of tool settings can be comfortably copied from image to image. This enables an image series consisting of thousands of files to be automatically processed in batch mode. Feature Website
Lastly, the new software comes equipped with an iOS app, integrating the luxury of mobile devices into the archiving workflow. The app serves as a status monitor for the new JobManager. It displays scanning progress, image processing and preview images on an iPhone or iPad. Feature Website
* Note: The update is free of charge for SilverFast 8 owners. The new features are included with SilverFast Ai Studio, HDR (Studio) and Archive Suite.
25. March 2015
New System Requirements for SilverFast 8.5 – With the ongoing development and optimization of SilverFast, the PC hardware and software environment requirements increase. With the release of SilverFast 8.5 we discontinue supporting some older operating systems: all 32-bit systems, Windows XP and Mac OS X 10.5/ 10.6.
More information on the SilverFast System Requirements.
10. March 2015
This year's CeBIT trade fair will take place from March 16th to March 20th in Hannover, Germany. LaserSoft Imaging will present a wide range of applications and solutions.
For the first time, the new software SilverFast version 8.5 will be introduced. This new release will include a new file format, a revised JobManager and a feature to integrate mobile iOS devices (e.g. iPhone) using a special app. This means: New simplicity of handling, but greater safety, productivity and flexibility as cornerstones on which the new developments have been planned. This is only available with SilverFast.
As in previous years, we will not just present hardware and software together with our partners, but integrated solutions for concrete problems. The relaunch of the Plustek OpticFilm 120 will certainly be a big attraction for visitors at the Plustek booth (Hall 3, F29). Hardware and software modifications will let this medium format scanner appear in a completely new look. Now it can be used as a high-quality archiving solution.
In cooperation with Epson, we will introduce special solutions for the area of Medical, Office and Archiving (Hall 7, A39). For example, we will show at the fair, why using a dedicated software is required for the process of issuing identity cards, and how to create a high-quality digital archive of analog image and object originals in no time.
Visit our specialists at CeBIT - we look forward to meet you:
22. January 2015
The online edition of the German IT magazine “PC Magazin“ features a fairly detailed presentation of the current SilverFast 8 scanner and digital imaging software. The article reviews scanning, archiving and optimizing analog image originals using the various SilverFast versions as well as many SilverFast features in detail.
PC Magazin: « A 64-bit HDRi scan consists of three RGB color channels of 3 x 16 bits, where the maximum available Dynamic Range in the template‘s darker areas is achievable as an HDR image by a second scan with a longer exposure time (SilverFast Multi-Exposure functionality). The second exposure also effectively reduces image noise. As a fourth 16-bit channel an infrared mask for a subsequent error correction is appended.
Tip: Unlike other software, SilverFast does not calculate the infrared data directly into the image information, but includes them as a separate channel. Therefore, with the later image optimization process an individually adjusted dust and scratch removal can be performed.
Conclusion: Using the SilverFast 64-bit HDRi feature, digital images of slides and negatives suitable for archiving can be achieved without any expert knowledge. For an intermediate sized photo archive the investment of buying a scanner along with SilverFast software will already be lower priced than to commission a service provider from the web. Also very important: Your precious originals remain safely at home. »
pc-magazin.de is a rich source of inspiration, guidance and practical applications of IT equipment for ambitious and professional users with a strong interest in topics like PCs, IT and web technologies.
Read the complete article here on www.pc-magazin.de. (German)
19. January 2015
c't Digital Photography organizes Photography Course in Cologne: Scan, Archive and Print Photos and Analog Film
Image expert Bojan Radojkovic teaches how to professionally digitize photos and analog film on your own. He also explains the best tricks, proven in practice, for archiving and printing image data. Participants will learn how to successfully calibrate and profile a scanner (ICC profiles, color spaces, targets). Learn how to scan with SilverFast 8 and how to safely archive the image data. Finally, the scanned photos are analyzed and high-quality printed.
SilverFast 8.8 including new Features
The digit!, a German professional's magazine for digital images, introduces the new SilverFast version
(please click to enlarge)digit! « The most innovative change should be the SRDx tool […] he automatic setting is able to detect image defects quickly and reliably. In addition, the premium versions Ai Studio 8.8 and HDR Studio 8.8 contain supplementary tools, which greatly simplify the editing. »
« The new ColorServer is recommended for all users who need to convert a large number of images. It provides automatic processing according to the user's specifications. The adjustment possibilities are almost endless … »
The complete article can be found in the latest digit! magazine issue or here as a PDF file.
21. December 2015
LaserSoft Imaging is a Premium Partner of the WTSH
WTSH – Business Development and Technology Transfer for Schleswig-Holstein, Germany's northernmost State
There are numerous world leaders and "hidden champions" among the small and medium-sized enterprises in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany's northernmost state – they are particularly flexible and agile in mind, innovative and in close cooperation with universities and research institutions.
The WTSH includes LaserSoft Imaging to these innovative and successful companies in Schleswig-Holstein and to the premium partners of the "Schleswig-Holstein. Germany‘s True North." partner program. We are delighted to be seen as a figurehead for our state.
More information can be found on the WTSH websites: Schleswig-Holstein: the true diversity.
4. December 2015
SilverFast 8.8 presents new Features and the ColorServer Option
SilverFast 8.8 contains our new features SRDx for an effective dust and scratch removal even for black-and-white images as well as the History functionality (for Ai Studio, HDR Studio and the Archive Suite), which makes it possible to perfectly retrace individual editing steps.
In addition, we have a new ColorServer Option for SilverFast 8.8 (for HDR Studio and the Archive Suite), which represents an ideal tool for production environments and for automatic processing of large image volumes. Further architecture optimization speed up the working with the current SilverFast version. During the introduction period we offer a discount of 25% on all IT8 Targets and SilverFast Versions (except SilverFast SE).
Buy now or learn more about our new SilverFast 8.8
29. October 2015
Saving Your Precious Memories
Scanning and Archiving Your Old Film and Photos – Simply Explained, Demystified & Demonstrated
Boris Bischof and Darren Vena from LaserSoft Imaging, will demonstrate the principles of scanning and image reproduction using todays scanners from leading manufacturers such as Epson, Canon and others. Learn how to create beautiful images using SilverFast in a professional setting at a comfortable pace. Now is the time to save those images before they are lost to fading and other degrading elements forever.
Location: Computer Advantage, 7810 N Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34243
Here you find more information & registration form. (sold out)
23. October 2015
SilverFast 8 - Rediscover Black and White Images!
Effortlessly create brilliant Grayscale Images. Our SC2G Movie tells you how.
Using the tool SC2G (Selective Color to Gray), which is included in every SilverFast 8 scanner and HDR software, you can directly control the conversion of primary and secondary colors into shades of gray. A conventional color to black and white image conversion transfers different colors (e.g. red and blue) of similar brightness in very similar shades of gray. As a result, they can be hardly differentiated. With SC2G you have some slider controls to determine, to which gray tones your colors get converted. Thus, a lot more image details remain recognizable and your black and white images look clear and crisp.
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| Original Photo | Using Standard Conversion | Using SC2G (Blue -148) |
Image Example: The sky appears too dark with the standard color to gray conversion. Using SC2G the sky can be selectively made brighter, without changing the brightness of other objects of the sample. After changing into Grayscale mode and activating the SC2G tool, click into the sky of the sample. Now we want to make the gray representing the sky brighter by using the marked slider control in the SC2G dialog.
More Information on the Feature Website.
12. October 2015
SilverFast 8.5 supports Mac OS X 10.11 El Capitan – SilverFast 8.5 scanner and HDR software runs natively on Intel Mac OS X systems from version 10.7 (including El Capitan 10.11). With the release of version 8.5, the SilverFast System Requirements have been changed, 32 bit operating system support has been discontinued.
Here you find a list of all supported scanners.
19. August 2015
DUBAI | Vineet Suthan – PRINTAO 8 | PRINT SOFTWARE REVIEW
Professional Photographer Vineet Suthan introduces PrinTao 8 for Epson and Canon Large Format Printers
For digital imaging, Vineet is a big fan of LaserSoft Imaging software products. Recently, he has published a nice PrinTao 8 product review on his blog. PrinTao 8 is a printing solution for Epson and Canon Large Format Printers.
Vineet Suthan: « The reason why I love this product is because you can handle the interface window without ever needing a manual. Now, my prints have different shades of color, improved dynamic contrast, better aliasing and much smoother gradients. […] I can say with sincerity that I highly recommend this product and I encourage you to download a Demo Version today and try it out. »
You can read the complete product review here at www.vineet-suthan.com.
11. August 2015
Kiel: Save Photographies for the Future
State Secretary Economic Affairs Dr. Nägele and the newspaper Kieler Nachrichten are visiting LaserSoft Imaging
Copyright: Kieler NachrichtenFor State Secretary Economic Affairs Frank Nägele the Kiel-based company has a role model character: « Karl-Heinz Zahorsky and his team show us how much potential there is in this country. […] This is the quality of the ,True North’. »
The article of the Kieler Nachrichten can be found here online (German).
5. August 2015
Available now: Printer Calibration for SilverFast SE Plus 8.5
Maximum Color Precision and Printing Quality for your Inkjet Printer!
SilverFast can create an individual profile for every printer, ink and paper combination. The Printer Calibration always brings out the maximum quality of your originals. Avoiding the high costs of expensive hardware, SilverFast's new Printer Calibration utilizes an existing scanner as a measuring instrument.
For the release of the SilverFast SE Plus 8.5 printer solution, LaserSoft Imaging has tied up a very special introductory package. The full SilverFast SE Plus edition incl. Printer Calibration is available for only 149.00 Euro. Until end of October, each package* also contains a free Fuji Target (complying international IT8 standards, worth 59.90 Euro).
More Information on the Feature Website.
* When buying within the promotional period you will receive a high-quality 5x7" reflective Fuji IT8 target for free (RRP [unit] 59.90). You only pay shipping costs. This target can be used for calibrating the scanner's reflective mode.
29. July 2015
SilverFast 8 is Windows 10 compatible
On July 29th, 2015 Microsoft released the new Windows 10 operating system.
Basically, all SilverFast products which support Windows 8, will run on Windows 10 (64 bit) systems.
The compatibility of the SilverFast scanner software is also dependent on the manufacturer's device drivers. If you already use SilverFast 8, and if the scanner manufacturer provides Windows 10 -compatible drivers for this device, then you can use your scanner with SilverFast 8 on Windows 10 (64bit) systems.
Further information as well as an up-to-date list of supported scanners you can find here ...
29. July 2015
PrinTao 8 will support the new EPSON SureColor SC-P800
Now available: Compact 17-Inch Wide Professional Printer with Optional Roll Paper Adapter
PrinTao 8 is ready for the new SureColor P800. PrinTao 8 – the Mac OS X printing solution that guarantees maximum print quality, while offering highly efficent handling and ease of use. PrinTao 8 takes over color management and all printer driver settings, allowing you to concentrate entirely on your images.
Right now at the time of product launch, for the SC-P800 only PrinTao 8 offers a variety of profiles for different paper manufacturers' media. The new version PrinTao 8.0r8 also includes many new Bonjet and Ilford media packages for Epson and Canon printers.
For more information on PrinTao 8, just click here.
8. July 2015
Optimized Features with the latest SilverFast Release |
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Optimized Frame DetectionThe SilverFast Frame Detection has been revolutionized. We developed the IFF+Engine (Intelligent Frame Finding) that intelligently searches for photos, slides and filmstrips, which lie on the flatbed or in the film holder. All image frames are now perfectly found. In addition, the frame outset option ensures that no images are cropped during scanning. Store your images on your hard drive, fast and securely with your SilverFast Archive Suite 8.5. Open the SilverFast preferences and switch to the "Auto" tab. Enter a value of 5% into the "Find Frames: Outset" text field and a safety addition of this size will be added to all frames when starting the scanning process.
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High Resolution PrescanEnable the "High Resolution Prescan" option, if you want to optimize your images right away with the scanning process. For evaluating tool effects more precisely on a larger preview, you may then zoom up to 8x times into the prescan without having to wait for another preview scan. Open the SilverFast preferences and switch to the "General" tab. For scanning into the HDRiRAW file format, leave this value at 1x, since scanning into RAW formats grays out all the editing tools.
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Individual User Interface AdjustmentThe SilverFast user interface can be customized to suit personal preferences. The positioning of tool dialogs can be saved and loaded in the preferences menu. Drag individual tool dialogs to a suitable position even to your second monitor to have a better overview and to get quick access to the most used features. You can create and save multiple user interface presets for different digitization workflow.
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SilverFast Contributes to Save Forgotten Rolls of Film
New Youtube Video introducing the Post-Production Workflow including SilverFast
© Rescued Film ProjectLevi Bettwieser, founder of The Rescued Film Project, has just uploaded a video to youtube introducing his Post-Production workflow. He teaches how to handle negatives, helps picking a negative scanner, breaks down how to scan negatives, as well as how to best manage photo data and backup. For scanning and image optimization Levi is trusting in SilverFast.
More Information and a lot of rescued film can be found on the Rescued Film Project Website.
If you have found rolls of film, you may like to contribute them to The Rescued Film Project for free processing and archiving.
23. June 2015
Extensive Test: EPSON Perfection V800 Photo and SilverFast 8
Conclusion: SilverFast 8 is able to greatly enhance image quality, thanks to Multi-Exposure and the IT8 Calibration.
ScanDig is a major European online retailer in the area of photography, color management, digital imaging software with a special focus on film scanners and accessories. Since many years, ScanDig host the filmscanner.info website, which is well-known as one of the best information addresses for independent reviews on the web.
While the simple office mode from EpsonScan is useful for scanning documents, SilverFast SE shows its true advantages when scanning film material, especially negatives.
filmscanner.info: « The Epson Perfection V800 Photo image quality is fine overall using the enclosed EpsonScan and SilverFast SE 8. However, it can considerably increased thanks to the Multi-Exposure feature coming with SilverFast SE Plus 8. For those wanting to get the maximum image quality out of the scanner, we recommend a professional scanning software like SilverFast Ai Studio 8 with IT8 Color Calibration. »
You can find the complete review article here on filmscanner.info (German).
19. June 2015
SilverFast 8 Printer Calibration on Imaging Resource
« Is this the answer for fast, painless printer calibration? » We think it is!
Imaging Resource now introduced the new SilverFast 8.5 Printer Calibration.
Imaging Resource:« It’s not cheap, but you’d be hard-pressed to find a better scanning software than SilverFast; if you have a photo scanner, it’s a program you’re going to want to own anyway. (SilverFast SE is bundled with a lot of scanners, the upgrade prices are less than the full purchase price.) »
Read the complete article here on Imaging Resouce.
28. May 2015
Available now: New SilverFast Printer Calibration
Maximum Color Precision and Printing Quality for your Inkjet Printer!
Having the new SilverFast Printer Calibration you will work just as color-accurate and brilliant like a professional. With SilverFast you can create an individual profile for each combination of printer, ink and paper. You can always rely to obtain best results, when your scanner and printer are ICC profiled. The SilverFast Printer Calibration utilizes your scanner as a measurement device, further expensive accessories are not required.
More Information on the Feature Website.
20. May 2015
Juliette Carter has won the $200 Red River Paper Gift Certificate
Congratulation from LaserSoft Imaging
Red River Paper Inc., founded in 1997, has over 40 years experience in fine papers. From Dallas, Texas, Red River offers various sheet sizes and rolls, in total over 30 different inkjet papers. PrinTao 8 and Red River Paper is a perfect combination for high-quality large formats prints.
8. May 2015
PrinTao 8 will support the new EPSON SureColor SC-P800
Soon available: Compact 17-Inch Wide Professional Printer with Optional Roll Paper Adapter
PrinTao 8 is ready for the new SureColor P800. PrinTao 8 – the Mac OS X printing solution that guarantees maximum print quality, while offering highly efficent handling and ease of use. PrinTao 8 takes over color management and all printer driver settings, allowing you to concentrate entirely on your images.
For more information on PrinTao 8, just click here.
30. April 2015
Available now: SilverFast JobMonitor – The iPhone App
Download the JobMonitor App from the App Store for free!
For scanning or processing large image files in SilverFast 8.5, the new JobMonitor App will comfortably display the progress of these scans or image optimization jobs on your iPhone, iPad or iPod using a Wi-Fi connection. You will find a preview image and a progress bar for every single image item enlisted on your current job queue. If a Wi-Fi connection is not available, a Push Notification will notify you once your scanner has finished its current job.
« Fantastic, having the JobMonitor App I no longer need to sit next to the scanner waiting for my high-resolution batch scanning to complete. I can devote myself to other tasks and I will automatically be notified when SilverFast has finished. I've been waiting a long time for exactly this feature. »
Felix Austerlitz (Photographer)
25. April 2015
Visiting EPSON headquarters
SilverFast Representative International Affairs Ingmar Zahorsky visits the Epson Headquarters in Nagano, April 2015
LaserSoft Imaging representative International Affairs Mr. Zahorsky recently visited the Epson head office in Japan, meeting the leading Epson managers. After taking a tour through the facilities, Mr. Zahorsky handed over the Golden Book to highly value the many years of successful cooperation. The Golden Book reviews many projects Epson and LaserSoft Imaging have realized together.
20. April 2015
Win a $200 Red River Paper Gift Certificate
Nothing Says it Better Than a Photographic Print
Copyright: Dumican MoseyPrinting your images using PrinTao 8 can also give you a rush. You’ll feel a new-found sense of closeness with them when they’re hanging on the wall or clustered on tables or desks in standalone picture frames. And they’ll always be there for you to enjoy, any time of the day or night.
Enter to win a $200 gift certificate for premium quality inkjet papers and get two special coupons today. Click here
15. April 2015
TIPA Awards 2015 – the Winners
The Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) has announced the winners of the annual awards for photo and imaging products for the past year.
The Photo Scanner category has not been included in the TIPA Awards selections for many years, but the introduction of the Epson Perfection V850 Pro inspired members to bring it back. The V850 Pro allows for scanning of all film sizes up to 4x5 inches using the supplied frames, and up to 8x10 inches without them. Our recommendation is to upgrade the included SilverFast 8 Software. (Click here)
This 8-color photo printer features sheet and roll feed, the ability to print on CDs and DVDs, and USB and Ethernet connections plus wireless options. Its Epson UltraChrome HD ink has been reformulated and it features a new Epson print engine and screening technology, as well as ink droplets as small as 2 picoliters to enhance print quality. We suggest using the P-600 with PrinTao 8 for just 99,- (Click here)
26. March 2015
New Feature Highlights with SilverFast 8.5 – With the release of new SilverFast software version 8.5.0r2, SilverFast will obtain new functionality that will make the lossless ("non-destructive") workflow even more efficient*. The update is free of charge for SilverFast 8 owners.
HDRiRAW Raw Data Format
A Key Element is the file format HDRiRAW, a new raw data format. HDRiRAW provides an ideal starting point for a non-destructive workflow. In addition to the image data, color management information is included, where applicable also infrared data for dust and scratch removal and Negafix profiles for negatives. Feature Website
Revised JobManager
After scanning into the new HDRiRAW format, the JobManager is used for the efficient batch processing of image optimizations. For this purpose, a multitude of tool settings can be comfortably copied from image to image. This enables an image series consisting of thousands of files to be automatically processed in batch mode. Feature Website
JobMonitor iPhone App
Lastly, the new software comes equipped with an iOS app, integrating the luxury of mobile devices into the archiving workflow. The app serves as a status monitor for the new JobManager. It displays scanning progress, image processing and preview images on an iPhone or iPad. Feature Website
* Note: The update is free of charge for SilverFast 8 owners. The new features are included with SilverFast Ai Studio, HDR (Studio) and Archive Suite.
25. March 2015
New System Requirements for SilverFast 8.5 – With the ongoing development and optimization of SilverFast, the PC hardware and software environment requirements increase. With the release of SilverFast 8.5 we discontinue supporting some older operating systems: all 32-bit systems, Windows XP and Mac OS X 10.5/ 10.6.
With SilverFast 8.8 support for some older operating systems is discontinued:
All 32-bit operating systems. The 2-gigabyte-per-process memory limit is increasingly impractical for high-end image processing. Moreover, 32-bit computers tend to be older, slower machines, so the user experience is suboptimal for a computing-intensive application like SilverFast 8. (Note that Apple's Aperture® 3.3 and Adobe's Lightroom® 4 and Photoshop® CS6 have already dropped 32-bit support.)
OS X 10.5/10.6 (Snow Leopard). Due to upgrades in development tools, system libraries, programming languages, and our code base it might not be possible to continue backward compatibility for OS X 10.5/10.6. Apple® appears to have stopped security updates for Snow Leopard, and other vendors (including Adobe®) are already specifying 10.7 (Lion) in the system requirements for their latest products. (Snow Leopard was almost five years ago.)
Windows XP®. See discussion above regarding 32-bit operating systems. The vast majority of XP deployments are 32-bit; 64-bit XP has a minuscule market share. (Note that XP support was already dropped in Adobe's Lightroom 4, and the next version of Photoshop will follow suit. Moreover, Microsoft® has officially dropped support for Windows XP.)
Most of our professional and serious amateur users have already moved to recent-generation 64-bit operating systems, so we do not expect a large number of users to be impacted if we drop support for 32-bit operating systems. For those who are still using one of these older systems, we encourage you to start planning for a migration to a newer, 64-bit operating system.
All 32-bit operating systems. The 2-gigabyte-per-process memory limit is increasingly impractical for high-end image processing. Moreover, 32-bit computers tend to be older, slower machines, so the user experience is suboptimal for a computing-intensive application like SilverFast 8. (Note that Apple's Aperture® 3.3 and Adobe's Lightroom® 4 and Photoshop® CS6 have already dropped 32-bit support.)
OS X 10.5/10.6 (Snow Leopard). Due to upgrades in development tools, system libraries, programming languages, and our code base it might not be possible to continue backward compatibility for OS X 10.5/10.6. Apple® appears to have stopped security updates for Snow Leopard, and other vendors (including Adobe®) are already specifying 10.7 (Lion) in the system requirements for their latest products. (Snow Leopard was almost five years ago.)
Windows XP®. See discussion above regarding 32-bit operating systems. The vast majority of XP deployments are 32-bit; 64-bit XP has a minuscule market share. (Note that XP support was already dropped in Adobe's Lightroom 4, and the next version of Photoshop will follow suit. Moreover, Microsoft® has officially dropped support for Windows XP.)
Most of our professional and serious amateur users have already moved to recent-generation 64-bit operating systems, so we do not expect a large number of users to be impacted if we drop support for 32-bit operating systems. For those who are still using one of these older systems, we encourage you to start planning for a migration to a newer, 64-bit operating system.
More information on the SilverFast System Requirements.
10. March 2015
Unveiled at CeBIT: SilverFast 8.5
This year's CeBIT trade fair will take place from March 16th to March 20th in Hannover, Germany. LaserSoft Imaging will present a wide range of applications and solutions.
For the first time, the new software SilverFast version 8.5 will be introduced. This new release will include a new file format, a revised JobManager and a feature to integrate mobile iOS devices (e.g. iPhone) using a special app. This means: New simplicity of handling, but greater safety, productivity and flexibility as cornerstones on which the new developments have been planned. This is only available with SilverFast.
As in previous years, we will not just present hardware and software together with our partners, but integrated solutions for concrete problems. The relaunch of the Plustek OpticFilm 120 will certainly be a big attraction for visitors at the Plustek booth (Hall 3, F29). Hardware and software modifications will let this medium format scanner appear in a completely new look. Now it can be used as a high-quality archiving solution.
In cooperation with Epson, we will introduce special solutions for the area of Medical, Office and Archiving (Hall 7, A39). For example, we will show at the fair, why using a dedicated software is required for the process of issuing identity cards, and how to create a high-quality digital archive of analog image and object originals in no time.
Visit our specialists at CeBIT - we look forward to meet you:
Epson - in Hall 7, Booth A39
Plustek - in Hall 3, Booth F29
22. January 2015
The online edition of the German IT magazine “PC Magazin“ features a fairly detailed presentation of the current SilverFast 8 scanner and digital imaging software. The article reviews scanning, archiving and optimizing analog image originals using the various SilverFast versions as well as many SilverFast features in detail.
PC Magazin: « A 64-bit HDRi scan consists of three RGB color channels of 3 x 16 bits, where the maximum available Dynamic Range in the template‘s darker areas is achievable as an HDR image by a second scan with a longer exposure time (SilverFast Multi-Exposure functionality). The second exposure also effectively reduces image noise. As a fourth 16-bit channel an infrared mask for a subsequent error correction is appended.
Tip: Unlike other software, SilverFast does not calculate the infrared data directly into the image information, but includes them as a separate channel. Therefore, with the later image optimization process an individually adjusted dust and scratch removal can be performed.
Conclusion: Using the SilverFast 64-bit HDRi feature, digital images of slides and negatives suitable for archiving can be achieved without any expert knowledge. For an intermediate sized photo archive the investment of buying a scanner along with SilverFast software will already be lower priced than to commission a service provider from the web. Also very important: Your precious originals remain safely at home. »
pc-magazin.de is a rich source of inspiration, guidance and practical applications of IT equipment for ambitious and professional users with a strong interest in topics like PCs, IT and web technologies.
Read the complete article here on www.pc-magazin.de. (German)
19. January 2015
c't Digital Photography organizes Photography Course in Cologne: Scan, Archive and Print Photos and Analog Film
Image expert Bojan Radojkovic teaches how to professionally digitize photos and analog film on your own. He also explains the best tricks, proven in practice, for archiving and printing image data. Participants will learn how to successfully calibrate and profile a scanner (ICC profiles, color spaces, targets). Learn how to scan with SilverFast 8 and how to safely archive the image data. Finally, the scanned photos are analyzed and high-quality printed.
- Date: 21. + 28. February, 2015
- Location: KARTHÄUSER-BREUER GmbH, Schanzenstraße 6-20, 51063 Cologne
- Target Audience: All passionate photographers, amateurs and professionals
- Number of Participants: 12 each course
- Participation Fee: € 179,00 (incl. VAT)
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